Bell's Model 206 was one of the top three machines in the U.S. Army's LOH(Light Observation Helicopter) competition in 1960. The Allison T63-A-5 turboshaft engine in the 206 yielded a cruising speed of 110 knots with a 400 pound payload.
Afterward, the LOH program was on hold, but was opened again in 1967, and Bell's five-seat 206A Jet Ranger won that competition. The 206A was designated the OH-58A and deliveries to the U.S. Army began in May of 1969.
The OH-58A served in Vietnam from 1969, through the close of that conflict and beyond. It underwent many improvements, including its Infra-Red suppressing hot metal shroud, "Black Hole" exhaust stacks and the superior T-63-A-700 engine.
In 1981, Bell's Model 406/OH-58 won another U.S. Army competition, the AHIP(Army Helicopter Improvement Program). This led to the ultimate development of the OH-58D Armed Kiowa Warrior. "The OH-58D Armed Kiowa Warrior is the world's most advanced integrated armed reconnaissance system"
